Illustration for 'Mines de rien' by Robert Desnos 1960

This is one of André Masson’s illustrations for Robert Desnos's book 'Mines de rien', and it's like a playground for the subconscious. Just look at those looping shapes and colors against the deep black background. What a lively feeling! I can almost see Masson in his studio, maybe with some jazz playing, letting his hand move freely. The way the white lines are dashed with red and green gives the whole piece this feeling of restless energy, as if the image is constantly in motion. It's like he's channeling some kind of inner vision. I think every gesture on the paper is loaded with intention, even if that intention is just to let go. Masson's work always reminds me that painting isn't just about making something pretty. It’s about digging into the messiness of being alive, and throwing all that feeling onto the canvas. Artists have always been in conversation with each other. They learn and build on the ideas of those who came before, and offer inspiration for those who come after.